South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1887-09-30
POLLY'S BISCUIT.
BY ELIZABETH T.. ALLAN.

ROXY, dont buy your pearls to-day"
Polly Rutherford looked up quickly
from the jewelers. case she was bending
over, and saw Mr.. McIlwainc standing
at her side.
why shouldn't buy today" she
cried. II have had this hundred dol
lars in gold for almost year, Mr..
Mcllwaine, trying to make up my mind
what wanted most; now my birthday
is almost here again, and am afraid
Grandpa will make this do. for two
birthdays, if don't hurry and spend
it,"
But Polly's gay little laugh was
checked by a look of unmistakable com
passion in the gcntleman's eyes. The
color faded little from her BRIGHT
young face, but she would not ask any
questions here in the crowded store.
You may put them back to-day, Mr..
West" she said to the jeweler. .Tll
come again tomorrow"
Very well, Miss Rutherford" said
the vexcd salesman, conceaing his dis
appointment, Il shall reserve them for
you"
Polly left the tempting store with Mr..
Mcllwaine, and once on the street turned
upon him pair of frank, questioning
eyes, which he found hard to answer
Paul McIlwaine was friend of the
Rutherford family; but not specially of
little Polly; she was only sixteen, a mere
child to the Woodworking lawyer of
thirty, and one whom he considered as
altogether frivolous and empty. Polly
was an only daughter, living with a
widowed mother in her grandfather's
elegant house, and if she was not a
spoiled girl it was not the fault of the
doting old grandfather, whose idol she
had been from her babyhood.
"What did you mean, Mr.. Nell
waine ~ she asked, presently, finding
that the questioning look brought no
reply. And then, seeing how en-
barrassed he seemed about answering.
she said, with a sudden fear, 'IIavc YOU
been at Grandp pas since left9 Is any
thing the matter!"
They are all we'll" he said answer
ing the thought which he knew was in
her mind, "but something has happened,
Polly, of course, or ! would not have in
terfcred with your purchase"
t.nhf nII al
in an agitatcd voice. "why do you keep
me in suspcnsel"
"What blundercr / am" thought
her companion. eff / tell her out here
on the street, there will be a scene: but
I'm in for it now, and if don't tell her
suppose there will he scene; that's
the way with these fine young ladies.
at IS hard thing cto say to you.
Polly, but your grandfather has failed. ="
Failed" repeated Polly, vaguely.
you mean he has lost his money Is
that alli Is that what you were afraid
to tell mel'
That ALI means good deal more
than you seem 10 understand " said Paul
Mcllwainc, impaticntly; ''it means loss
and grief and disappointment and poy-
crty to one Of the best gentlemen in the
world; it means hard work 60 your
mother who has no strength for work to
you -r
lie stopped, and Polly said quickly,
feeling the tinge Of contempt IN his
tone: Never mind about me, brit sec
now how bad 1t will be; poor Grandpa /.
Mr.. Mcllwainc does must will any.
body else lose by Grandpa's failurcy"
1T is too soon TO say positively" ne
replied, "but | think not. think he
has quit business in lime TO leave his
creditors any apprecinblc loss
Polly's head was up now, and her eyes
shining Dear old Grandpa, " she said
"blcss his heart ! am ashamed that I
asked the qucstion; might have known.
But, oh! I'm so much obliged 30 YOU
for keeping me from spending my hun
drcd dollars, it was very kind Of you,
very; ! don't know how you came to
find me. How long have you known
about Grandpa|
1T only came out this morning, and
took us all entirely bv surprise. But
here VIC arc At your door; good ~, my
dear; II can be Of service to you many
way, Che had meant 70 offer her money.
but hc was suddenly afraid to speak Of
such q thing to the spiritcd-looking girl